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Monday, 22 May 2017

'I'm not a devil': Cristiano Ronaldo hits out at critics as Real Madrid celebrate La Liga title long into the night

Cristiano Ronaldo
went on the attack after Real Madrid claimed their first La Liga title
in five years, as he aimed a shot at critics who have labelled him a
'delinquent'.
The Portuguese fired home the opening goal in Madrid's 2-0 win over Malaga which sealed the Spanish title on the final day of the season.

That
ended a domestic title drought that stretched back to the 2011-12
season, as the European champions claimed their 33rd Spanish title.

And following the win, Ronaldo took aim at those that have been criticising him in recent weeks.
"People talk about me and don't know s---," he told Marca
. "I don't watch TV because if I did I wouldn't have a life, that's how
often they talk about me in a bad way, in football and outside of
football, they talk about me as if I were a delinquent."

"When people talk about Cristiano they get it wrong, inside and outside
of football," he continued. "Football critics don't worry me because I
know doing the math people will shut up.

"They always have two stones in their hands when I speak. I am not a
saint, but I'm not a devil either, which is what many people say I am."

Ronaldo had been subject to criticism in the Spanish press this week
after he was pictured gesturing towards Gustavo Cavral during Real's win
over Celta Vigo on Wednesday, amid rumours that Celta had been offered
an extra financial incentive to beat the now-champions. Madrid won 4-1,
with Ronaldo scoring twice.

Moving past that, Ronaldo saluted the contribution of Zinedine Zidane before looking ahead to the Champions League final.

"I'm very happy because it was a spectacular end to the season, the
best in many seasons, because of intelligent management, the help of the
coach, and the contributions of those who played less," he said.

"We know the Cardiff final will be very difficult," he said, "but for now we will enjoy our first La Liga title in five years."

Zidane returned the compliment, hailing Ronaldo as a difference maker.

"He is always there to make the difference," Zidane said.

"I am happy for him and the rest, it is a little different because he is always there to do it.

"It
is spectacular, the credit is for all of them because all of the
players have fought, the message has been that they are all important
and have been key to the success."